Star Trek The Next Generation The Gift: A Star Trek SI

[DarkDestroyer]

This chapter is the start of a couple of ongoing arcs now. We're about the half way point of the story overall. The middle if you will.

 

[Goku_san]

The start of a beautiful friendship? Or also the start of me getting wiped out by everyone at the table?

Click to shrink...

Both. Be careful, Dax is going to rob you blind and fuck you into the deck plating. ;D

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Both. Be careful, Dax is going to rob you blind and fuck you into the deck plating. ;D

Click to shrink...

I'm GOING TO GET TOSSED!

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Paramount-SkyDance Own Star Trek. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non Profit.

Tongo at first had me bamboozled beyond belief! However after a few hours...sometimes I'm a slow learner when it comes to games, and my more competitive friends seize upon this weakness early on, only to discover later on it was a mistake to underestimate me. This is not that situation! It is quite a complicated game...but it's a fictional game created for a sci-fi show that takes place in the future...so yeah. It's basically a cross of roulette (which is what Dabo is) and cards. The goal is to use strategy to "confront", "evade", "acquire", or "retreat". Say that five times fast! Put on a shirt! Each venture has a risk amount that you play, to either buy or sell. The goal is to have monopoly over your opponents by matching the cards with the dice. Like I said...it's complicated...but as much as it is designed to GAIN profit---Tongo is a primarily social game and I'm very much enjoying my time with Jadiza, even the Ferengi.

We play for hours. I have no idea how long Dax was already playing before I arrived. So long in fact that we get a visitor.

"I should have guessed I'd find you here." a voice says and I look up

"Lieutenant Ro. Uh...sir!" I exclaim as I scramble to sit up....I notice Jadzia smiling and suppressing a chuckle. The Ferengi see Ro and clear out immediately.

"You couldn't resist even just a little could you?" Ro says

"I don't know what you're talking about." I lie

"I believe the Lieutenant is referring to me." Dax says as I frown

"I am. I should've known something was up when you didn't immediately call me from the Enterprise. THIS was planned!" she exclaims

"Guilty as charged...look Curzon and I were friends before he passed away. He left me his estate on Risa, I was simply..."

"You were doing nothing of the sort. I know you Ensign Young." Ro states

She's not wrong. Jadzia starts to get up. Damn it.

"Lieutenant. I admit that coming here was planned. I was curious to meet the new Dax host...but my intentions---" the two of them start laughing. Oh.

"You should see the look on your face! I told you it would be worth it." Jadzia says as the two of them hold each other giggling. Laren is actually giggling!!!!

"Y-you're not mad?" I ask Laren and she lets out a snort she's laughing so hard


"Of course not. I knew you wouldn't be able to resist and informed Jadzia to expect you. I mean she already was anticipating you at some point thanks to her memories of Curzon, but we planned this together." she explains

"Well...I'm glad that I could provide you with such entertainment." I say--I'm not sure why I'm upset. This is actually a VERY good thing.

"Don't be upset. I made it a point to get to know Ro after we first came aboard together. We've become friends since." Jadzia explains

Well I'll be damned.

"I'll leave the two of you for now. I'll expect to see you a little later Ensign." Laren pecks me on the cheek before she leaves

"You should be proud of the Lieutenant, Ensign, she's been a stellar first officer already. She has surprised a lot of people." Dax says as the two of us leave Quark's

"I am proud of her. How's...Kira been?" I ask

"Major Kira has started to settle into her role. At first it was pretty....tumultuous, especially between her and Ro, but I think it's going to work out." Jadzia replies

"What are you doing right now?" I ask

"Talking with you." Jadzia answers with a smile

"I meant do you have any plans?"

"Not as such....except I was planning on going to sleep at some point. I am on duty at Beta Shift. What are you thinking about?"

"Uh...nothing. If you're going to bed then I should get myself to Ro's quarters." I reply

"Very well. When you're on the station next, I will take you orbital skydiving in the holosuite." she replies

"I don't think you'll...." I start to tail off

Wait a minute. Orbital skydiving. I snap my fingers and turn to Jadzia

"Can I pull you away from bed for a few more minutes?" I ask and she nods with her customary hands behind her back

"Where are we going?" she asks

"Back to Quark's, to the holosuite. You just gave me a tremendous idea!" I exclaim as I start jogging back into Quarks

"Quark...here's my credit chit again. I'm buying at least two hours of holosuite time at premium. I don't know if we will be using all of it." He smiles

"You may have given me an indirect solution to a problem I've been having sir." I say formally

"Jadzia is fine when I'm off duty. What problem might that be?" she asks as we walk up the winding steel stair case

I step outside the holosuite and start programming the control panel.

"Saving Jim Kirk!" I say enigmatically

"You know how to program a holosuite?" she asks

"Rudimentary knowledge only I assure you. Just enough to get the computer to give a rough estimation of what I want...there. After you." I say

We step into the holosuite and it's just the familiar grid pattern.

"Computer execute program parameters."

"Holosuite safety protocols to medium."

"Do you have auth---"

"Authorization Young Alpha Charlie 98 Sierra." I finish and Jadzia is impressed

"Authorization accepted. Stand by."


"What are we---"

In a slightly more dramatic than I had anticipated sequence---Tony Stark's Class A Extremis armor begins to form around my body. The technology is absolutely marvelous. I hear a familiar voice.

"Jarvis, you there?" I ask

"Yes sir."

The heads up display comes immediately online and I see Jadzia in front of me. I open the face hatch of the helmet.

"Hi...I need your help too." I say

"With what exactly?"

"Calculating the odds of creating and utilizing a quantum filament tether---length and size enough to attach somewhere on this armor---or something like it. Jarvis---show her Captain Scott's schematics."

"Doing so now."

A black super hardened hose like object appears in holographic form circling in front of Jadzia.

"Show her the Nexus."

The Nexus ribbon appears.

"Jarvis prepare booster rockets to maximum speed."

"Jadzia, I need to know basically if we are able to use THAT cord attached to this armor to get into THAT ribbon from a starship's front hull. I'll be back with you in a jiffy." I say getting cocky.

"Where are you going?" she asks

"Up." I reply as the face hatch closes and the booster rockets fire

"Jarvis project space."

Not sure how Jarvis is actually interacting with DS9's computer right now but it is. I'm not going to question it either. The holodeck grid is replaced with space....as I start to project upwards. Jadiza is already tiny looking down on the "surface" of the grid.

"Adjust our flight vector Jarvis, put us into Earth orbit. I want to be able to look down on everything."

"Yes sir."


"Patch me through to Jadzia."

It takes a moment but I can talk to her through the helmet now.

"Can I trust you?" I ask

"Y-yes of course." she replies taken back a bit

"The Enterprise collided with a quantum filament last year. Knocked out all our systems. The sheer rock solid force of the subspace distortion SHOULD be enough to anchor someone connected to it---that wants to enter into a reality construct called the Nexus, that flaming ribbon thing over there. "

"You are talking about the mystery object the Enterprise-B encountered on it's maiden voyage. Captain Kirk is...was trapped in it?" she asks coming to the conclusion I wanted

"Yes. A team headed by Captain Montgomery Scott at the Daystrom Institute has been working around the clock to figure out some way to rescue Kirk---Scotty came up with the Tether idea after I suggested we needed some kind of super dense object to enter the Nexus in."

"What you're talking about doing is impossible." Dax replies and I nod in agreement

"I agree. We have the Vulcans working with newly discovered Red Matter. You mentioned calculations....have you done them?"

"Finishing them now." she replies

"Hold that thought---Jarvis I'm going to free fall...cut the boosters until just a few seconds before I hit the surface."

"I don't think that is a wise idea Adam."

"Do it." I reply

He does so and I fall...it feels like forever but in reality it's only the length of the holosuite itself. I wait. Then I turn my hands downwards and use the repulsor beams to guide me to a safe landing. I'm showing off in front of Dax. She won't be impressed but the adrenaline rush is absolutely insane. I do a perfect Iron Man landing a few feet in front of her. Tony would be proud. Rhodey wouldn't...I lift up the helmet.

"What have you concluded?" I ask

"It is in theory possible. I calculated a 2.8 percent chance of success. There are a ton of variables involved as you've probably assumed." she replies

"Computer end program, remove Iron Man suit. Thank you Jarvis."

"Anytime sir." he replies and everything vanishes replaced by the grid

"Thank you Jadzia. Sorry about all the showy stuff. I've wanted to do that for a very long time. My training instructor refused to let me do that during my zero g..." I say and she smiles

"I'm not a bit surprised. I think you're cocky, trying to impress me, and over your head. However the suggestion is unique, and you have the right people working on it. I can compile my data and give it to you to submit to your people." she replies

"I'd like that, thank you. I am going to recommend you to the project. I assure you it won't interfere with your duties on the station." I say

"You really do know me." she replies

"I know enough to know what is really important to you." I reply smiling

"Curzon warned me about you... I should've listened." she states

"It won't be so bad. I promise you I'm not always like this..."

"So Ro has told me."

"I'm starving, you know anything open at this time?" I ask

"I know a couple of places yes." she says folding her arms behind her

The two of us head off to eat. We have a plan now. We're coming for you Jim.

 

[Marlow3]

Good grief having one legend back from the dead is already a boon for the UFP. Kirk as well would be a huge morale boost for the fleet. Especially going into the war when their lack of preparation will be on full display.
Thanks for the chapter mate

 

[Lillie Jones]

thanks for the chapter

 

[Death by Chains]

Good grief having one legend back from the dead is already a boon for the UFP. Kirk as well would be a huge morale boost for the fleet. Especially going into the war when their lack of preparation will be on full display.
Thanks for the chapter mate

Click to shrink...

Having one or even two legendary individuals 'back from the dead' will help morale, yes, and perhaps even start inspiring up-and-comers to be less diplomatic and more dynamic, but they're not a magic bullet for all the issues plaguing Starfleet. Materially and culturally, canon!Starfleet just was not ready for someone to take a go at them on the scale of the Dominion War, and no one individual — not even a hero-captain like Kirk — can fix those systemic failings in a handful of years. They don't have enough ships, they don't have the right ships, and they don't have the right institutional mindset for an existential fight, because they'd convinced themselves such things were no longer possible!

And the thing is, Kirk being back might even be a negative, because idiots like Tim Watters will be able to point to his example as justification for their own antics. I can foresee a spike in unnecessary casualties resulting from people who don't know any better following charismatic gloryhounds into situations where a disciplined, methodical, rational approach to the problem(s) before them were discarded in favour of a vainglorious belief that personal brilliance and thrilling heroics would see them through, only to find their brilliance inadequate and their heroics smashing into that nasty wall called reality at Warp 6.

 

[SotF]

I have this image of a horde of Klingons learning that THE KIRK is back and beelining for wherever he is for an autograph

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Having one or even two legendary individuals 'back from the dead' will help morale, yes, and perhaps even start inspiring up-and-comers to be less diplomatic and more dynamic, but they're not a magic bullet for all the issues plaguing Starfleet. Materially and culturally, canon!Starfleet just was not ready for someone to take a go at them on the scale of the Dominion War, and no one individual — not even a hero-captain like Kirk — can fix those systemic failings in a handful of years. They don't have enough ships, they don't have the right ships, and they don't have the right institutional mindset for an existential fight, because they'd convinced themselves such things were no longer possible!

And the thing is, Kirk being back might even be a negative, because idiots like Tim Watters will be able to point to his example as justification for their own antics. I can foresee a spike in unnecessary casualties resulting from people who don't know any better following charismatic gloryhounds into situations where a disciplined, methodical, rational approach to the problem(s) before them were discarded in favour of a vainglorious belief that personal brilliance and thrilling heroics would see them through, only to find their brilliance inadequate and their heroics smashing into that nasty wall called reality at Warp 6.

Click to shrink...

Oooh excellent post indeed. Yes...I do have a plan for Jim. It's probably not want the majority want to see. Kirk back is going to introduce a whole slew of issues...but I DO have a plan for him I promise.

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Paramount-SkyDance Own Star Trek. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

When Worf's transport does not report back, we depart Deep Space Nine early--which means I don't get to see Laren after all--- and end up rendezvousing with a Romulan vessel as Worf returns from the prison camp with the children from the camp, including Toq who is in sickbay under going his physical along with the other survivors. Worf hands me a PADD.

"What's this?" I ask

"My report on the camp. I am about to submit it to the Captain. I thought you should read it first." he says in his deep rumble

I go over it and it largely details the events of "Birthright Part I and II" from his perspective. I hand it back to him.

"I see what you mean now about a purpose, although not the one I was anticipating."

"Are you all right?" I ask him

"I am not. I will be though. I have spoken to K'ehleyr about our guests, she has agreed to help them...relocate."

"I'm glad. Worf...I..."

"You do not need to apologize Adam. I understand why you sent me now."

I nod and he walks out of my quarters.


Scotty has that twinkle in his eye after he reads Dax's calculations in spite of his doubts.

"I dunno laddie...your Lt. Dax's calculations are sound, and the research and development of Red Matter is still in it's infancy since the Vulcans discovered it last year...I appreciate the creativeness but I Cannae see this working."

"That's because you're not thinking 3-Dimensionally Scotty!" I've always wanted to use that in a real sentence

"It sounds ridiculous now, because it is literally impossible. But do the modeling on it...we need to create a tether long enough that it not only can function in space, but be anchored to the Enterprise...and withstand the cosmic energies of the Nexus. I realize how this sounds, but it is the only solution that I can think of that will work. Someone--likely me, I'm guessing, will have to be in the suit I proposed, and connected to the tether...we can't use matter-anti-matter technology at all because of said Nexus energies, but if someone were tethered to REALITY..."

"Aye. I understand the concept Adam, but..."

"If anyone can make this work Scotty, it's you." I beam

The Enterprise is still docked at the Remmler Array. We have just gone through the decontamination protocols and been given the green light to return to the ship. What happened to the three criminals who try to take over the ship?? I exposed them as soon as we arrived and Federation Security arrested them. They had everything ready to go, just waiting until everyone left the ship...they never saw me coming though.

"This would truly be a miracle if it works. All right lad. I'll work the numbers, and we'll start the modeling but I Cannae guarantee anything. " he replies

"You'll make it work Scotty. I have faith in you."

"Aye. Oh, your request to have Lieutenant Dax to our little group has been approved."

"Thank you Scotty, I'll let her know. Let me know how the modelling turns out."

"I will, and congratulations on the promotion...Ensign Young. Don't slack on your studies though lad, that commission can be taken away just as fast as it was given." he says with a wink

"I won't Scotty, you take care, and say hi to the others for me."

"I will. Scott out."

 

[Lillie Jones]

Thanks for the chapter

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Paramount-SkyDance Own Star Trek. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

"So what do you think?" I ask Laren after just pitching her my theory on the Cardassians finally

There's a pause for what seems like several minutes as she attempts to contemplate what I've just been speaking about.

"Oh Adam, that's a lot. First of all you know how I feel about the Cardassians, so I wouldn't put any of that past them, but a Starfleet conspiracy to cover collaboration this entire time? Admiral Kennelly was one thing, but for something like this to have taken place all of these decades and not anyone finding out about it...."

"That's exactly why I have had a problem with this line of thinking. It shouldn't make sense, but the more I contemplate it, look at who benefits from this...it makes all the sense in the world. What is at Minos Korvas that had them so interested they IMMEDIATELY diverted two thirds of their active fleet to it? What are we hiding there?" I counter

"I don't know. Have you gone to anyone about this yet?" she asks

"No. I wanted to run it by you first. I haven't even spoken to Morani or Worf yet. I know how they'll react to it. Your response is proof of it. I need to proceed cautiously." I state

"That's obvious. Adam this could blow up if proven true and got out. I'd advise to inform Captain Picard first and see how he reacts, Picard will back you up if he thinks there is any merit and then you can go to Admiral Nechayev. From what you've told me about Starfleet's previous stance on the Cardassians and how Command blocked her from doing anything about Bajor---that's the part that makes me think there's something to this and the only part. Maybe that's when this started. Be careful luv." she warns

"I will. Also Laren, I'm sending you something on a secure quad encrypted frequency. Don't say anything about it's contents and take it directly to Commander Sisko. I am sending you this without authorization from Starfleet Command, but felt I needed to do so." she gets wide eyed about that as I insert the iso chip into the port at the side of the lap top.

These are my files on Project Dismantle...i.e. The Circle. I should've done more than this but this should help. It will be interesting to see if they're able to use these in time. As I have long stated there are Cardassians everywhere with their fingers in multiple pies.

"I need to go. We'll be in touch." I Say and she just nods as the the screen switches to show the Starfleet Emblem.


It is now September 2369. The year has gone by quick, fast, and in a hurry. Time seems to be increasing. The famous radio host Art Bell's infamous The Quickening. The more events that happen, the faster time seems to go. It's a "theory" that I've been fascinated in and would seem to be proven true to some degree. I'm working Gamma Shift under Data's command when suddenly I'm called to Captain Picard's ready room. I secure the tactical station and await a replacement as I head down the ramp and press the chime.

"Come."

I enter and he motions for me to sit down. He looks agitated.

"Sir?" I ask

He looks up from his monitor.

"What do you know about our new head of Stellar Cartography?" he asks

Oh. Oh! Yeah he was on the bridge before my duty shift began asking Data about them. It caused a huge buzz. Picard usually does not come to the bridge before his duty shift starts unless something distracts him, or there is an emergency of some kind. I suppress a smile.

"I know only a little about Commander Daren. That she's extremely driven. Passionate about her work. Runs a no nonsense department. Isn't afraid to speak her mind, and is very good at her job, sir."

"I see." he replies sounding disappointed

"Sir?"

He does the maneuverer, and gets up to look out the port.

"You are aware of Stellar Cartographies current studies?" he asks

"Aye sir. A rudimentary level one. I understand that Commander Daren and her team have been conducting precise gravimetric readings, on emerging star systems. The entire department has been absolutely giddy about it." I reply

"That's correct. She has pulled from several ships systems---including communications to do so, without clearing it from myself or Commander Riker." he half snaps

"Doctor Mowray and the Landis II discovery can wait sir." I say and immediately regret it

"Oh can it now? That is not for you to determine is it, Ensign?" he reprimands me

"No sir it is not." I reply and sit at attention

He sighs.

"What is on your mind Adam?" he asks as he sits back down

"I understand your concerns with Commander Daren sir, however I assure you that she is one of the upmost professionals in the Fleet----"

"Out with it Mr. Young. What are you not telling me?" he presses

"I'd really rather not say sir. It has nothing to do with ship's business, it has to do with your business. Sir." I reply and that gets his attention

Picard gets an incredulous look on his face.

"Commander Daren and I...." it's really rather comical but I keep a straight face

"I'm still a novice at love sir, but sometimes it appears when you least expect it---or want it to. Even for you. That's all I'll say about that sir."

"I see. Very well. Dismissed Ensign." he says in response

"Aye sir."

Oi. This should be interesting...I just hope I'm not pulled into the middle of things, I have too much going on as it is.

 

[Lillie Jones]

thanks for the chapter

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Paramount-SkyDance Own Star Trek. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

As anticipated, Captain Picard begins to see Commander Daren in a different light. I mean it IS Wendy Hughes, the great Canadian character actor. If this was a different situation, I might even be tempted to pursue her...which would be bold, she's way out of my league. The Captain and Deren begin to bond over their shared love of music. Slowly at first as Picard has those damned shields up all the time. The Picard show attempted badly to explain them away, but the fact of the matter is that while Jean-Luc Picard exudes trust---that draws you to him like moths around light, it is his sense of profound, almost overwhelming duty that prevents him from getting close to anyone. A different kind of shields than my own that I have up. I try my best to stay out of it. FORCE myself to stay out of it by concentrating solely on my duty...but naturally, I can't ever have anything my way. Ever. My door chimes as I attempt to nap after my shift is over.

"Come."

To my surprise it is Commander Daren. I immediately stand to attention from sleep. It's something I learned to do way back as a teen in Sea Cadet camp and relearned since I decided to become an officer.

"Commander, this is a surprise. You'll have to forgive me...I wasn't expecting anyone." I say still have groggily

"I should apologize Ensign. I wasn't sure if I should have come, but..."

"You need advice? Usually that's Counsellor Troi's preview." I reply and that gets a small smile from her. Damn she's gorgeous. Adam stop.

"Actually it was Counsellor Troi who suggested I come see you, and yes...I wanted to ask you something, but it's not exactly about the Captain." she says

I blink. Oh no.

"You want me to speak to Commander Riker on your behalf?" I ask bewildered

"I realize by asking you to do this I---" she then shakes her head and gets back up rattled

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have put you in that position." and before I can stop her...she leaves.

I sigh. Damn it. All I want is to sleep and avoid drama. I face plant myself on my custom couch like Venkman from "Ghostbusters II" still in uniform and just as I'm about to pass out---I hear my door chime again.

"Come....." I growl into my pillow

This time it is Commander Riker, and once again i shoot up form near sleep to full attention. Will informs me I can be at ease and I relax.

"Sir?" I prompt

"Who the hell does she think she is?" he starts

"The Head of Stellar Cartography." I reply without any kind of trademark snark. Can I get ANY kind of sleep? The answer is no. I'm Lower Decks. SLEEP IS DENIED. Drama carry on.

"Not that. I mean with the Captain...her demands..." he starts

"Are within her purview as Head of Stellar Cartography, who have priority in conducting a mission that have the parameters that this does...sir." I reply and Will flashes that smile

"Impressive Ensign. I see you're keeping up on Starfleet regulations. Let me guess, she was just here?" he asks

"Yes sir. She was here to ask me to...request you back off on her." I reply. I'm really tired.

Riker tugs his unfirm and puffs some air out. Exasperated.

"The nerve....but...you obviously think she has a point that I have been...too hard on her?" he replies

"It's not my business sir. I'm just a mere lowly junior acting officer. Just off...duty." I reply emphasizing those words

"Point understood Ensign. Get some rest." Riker says and leaves

I would like at least three hours of uninterrupted sleep.

A few days pass by as the Enterprise concludes the study of the emerging star systems. Diana Giddings was attempting to tell me about why they were all excited about them, but frankly I half listened to her explanation which got me a good swat. The Captain and Daren's romance is the buzz talk of the ship. I'm long old news now, but I'm not bothered by it as Diana and I attend the concert as friends. I've been doing my best to interact with others on the ship. I miss Laren terribly.

Beverly returns from visiting Wesley and we have dinner together.

"His studies are improving. He seems much less stressed out after the whole business with Nova Squadron and Locarno. Thank you for that, by the way." she says while buttering some brioche toast.

"You're welcome. How does he seem...otherwise? Driven? Distracted?" I ask out of curiosity

"What do you mean?" she asks

I tug my uniform and pick up an orange slice. How to ask this without revealing any reason why I'm asking this...

"Does he still have that same passion to become an officer that he had on the Enterprise, with us?"

"Oh yes. Very much so. Why do you ask?"

"I dunno...just a feeling. So..." I change the subject to what she really wants to talk to me about

"So...what?" she asks in that Beverly voice

"Sigh. You obviously want to ask me about the Captain and Daren." I reply

"I don't know what you're talking about." she says badly avoiding the subject

"Beverly..."

"Okay fine. What DO you think about it?" she asks as I take a crepe and begin putting a ridiculous amount of nutella in it

"I am happy for Jean-Luc. I like Commander Daren, don't know her very well. I've...largely made a point to stay away from them frankly." I reply and Beverly laughs

"Why?"

"I hate drama." I state

"You THRIVE on drama Adam. You're the Drama King!" she exclaims chuckling

I sigh frowning.

"Nevertheless I---" my comm badge goes off

"Picard to Young."

"Young. Go ahead sir."

"Report to the observation lounge Ensign." the Captain Orders and I acknowledge

"Aye sir." I turn to Beverly

"Duty calls, Doctor. We'll pick this up later. Steak lunch tomorrow?" I ask

"It sounds lovely and that's an awful lot of hazel spread, Ensign." she replies

"I know." I grin shoving the crepe into my mouth and wiping it as I head out of her quarters

I report to the Observation Lounge. Captain Picard, Commander Riker, Commander's Data and LaForge, and of course Commander Daren, and Lieutenant Marquez from Stellar. I sit down.

"Ensign. As you know, we've been conducting a study on the fire storms at Bersallis. However they have suddenly changed speed and direction and heading towards the colony. we are attempting possible methods to protect the Enterprise while evacuating the colonists." Picard briefs and I nod

"A fire storm can kick up winds of over two hundred kilometres per hour and temperatures as high as three hundred degrees C." LaForge begins

"What causes them?" I ask

"They form when solar flare radiation reacts with high energy plasma present in the planet's atmosphere." Daren replies looking at me

"It was my understanding that the colony was built to withstand those conditions?"

It was, both reinforced and insulated. But this is no ordinary storm. It's twice as strong as anything they've ever seen. The outpost just won't withstand it." Geordi answers

So it's plot inflammed. Naturally. I refrain from sighing as I listen. An uneasy feeling grows in the pit in in my stomach as the briefing continues.

"We'll arrive about an hour before the storm gets there. It will take at least two hours to evacuate all the colonists off the surface." Riker says

"I led a team of geologists to study the plasma geyser on Melnos Four. We cross-connected a few thermal deflector units to create a protective shield against the heat." Daren says and I almost visibly cringe

"A firewall." Geordi replies

"Would something like that work here?" Daren asks

"You know, it might. (goes to the wall monitor) The storm is approaching the outpost from this direction. If we were to set up a series of thermal deflector units along the northern perimeter, we could create a fire wall and deflect some of the heat. The insulation from the outpost should be able to handle the rest." LaForge says

"Thermal deflectors generate a field approximately four hundred metres wide. We would need to cross-connect six units and align them so the fields overlap." Data explains

"How many people would it take to set that up?" Riker asks

"Twelve. Two per team. Cross-connecting that many units will be a little tricky. Once they're set up, we'll have to leave the units in place and transport our people out. Nobody would be able survive very long outside that structure." Geordi confirms

"Let's do it." Picard orders and Commander Riker notices me trying not to squirm in my chair

"Something on your mind Ensign Young?"

"Yes sir. The thermal deflector units are a sound suggestion and like Commander LaForge states, could work, however, respectfully Commander Deren, the conditions on Melnos Four are extremely different than on Berallis III. The conditions here are far more violent and unpredictable." I state

"Meaning, Ensign." Picard asks

"I think the conditions on the planet are far too dangerous to warrant away teams. We should consider a more automated solution, sir." I suggest

Everyone exchanges glances.

"Mr. Data?" Picard prompts

"It is possible we could reprogram a series of atmospheric probes to coordinate the deployment of the thermal units. However given the extreme conditions of the fire storm, it is possible it would render them inoperable with sudden strikes. There is also the matter of time. We do not have the time to reprogram the probes in the time required to evacuate." Data replies

Picard looks at me and makes a decision

"Mr. Young...what happens?" he asks.

"Commander Daren's plan works so...but at the cost of every single one of the away team members." I look at her with sympathy. I don't know what else to do about this. I want to save those lives. That's part of why I'm here for damn it.

Picard looks at me and makes a tough decision.

"I agree with Commander Data. The risk is noted."

"The storm is going to interfere with communications. Everything will need to be coordinated from the surface. Mister Data, you will coordinate the evacuation of the colonists. Doctor, they have nine patients in the outpost infirmary. Your first priority will be to get them to Sickbay. After that you will stay on board the Enterprise, be ready to receive casualties. Marquez, you will take some people down and track the storm. All the other teams will need to be kept apprised of its heading. Commander, you're in charge of deploying the deflectors. Let's go." Riker orders and everyone gets up I see Daren linger behind with Picard as I exit

20 minute later I am standing on the bridge as we over see the mission on the planet below. It is unfolding as it did in the episode. We don't have enough time to pull out the away team members. The teams on the planet below do their jobs expertly as in the show. The fire storm though blazes. We're running out of time.

"Riker to Daren."

"Daren here. Go ahead Commander." she replies

"You've got less than nine minutes before the storm reaches the northern perimeter." Riker relays

" I'm here with team six. We're just about to bring the deflectors online." Daren replies

"Whenever you're ready."

"Daren to perimeter team. Stand by to cross connect deflectors."

"Standing by." the crewman replies

I start to get tense. If Deanna were here my emotions would be bleeding out my ears.

"Activate. Team three, increase your output by point two percent." Daren orders

"Yes sir."

"Good. Good. Deng, decrease nutation by point four percent. Good, we've almost got it." Daren says with urgency in her voice


This is another reason why I dislike when I'm brought into these situations. I don't like my undue...influence interfering with normal operations.

"Crusher to bridge." Beverly comms

"Go ahead Doctor." Picard replies

"We just brought aboard the last of the infirmary patients and they're on their way to Sickbay. But we still have over a hundred colonists there." she reports

"Understood." Picard says and glances at me for a second, I don't react

"Daren to Commander Riker." uh oh

"Riker here. Go ahead." he replies

"We've got a problem. We're having trouble keeping the deflectors cross connected. So the only way this is going to work is if we calibrate them manually." she replies and Picard looks at me again and I just nod

"If you stay with the deflectors will they protect you when the storm hits?" Riker asks

"I don't know sir. For a few minutes maybe...but if what the Ensign said is true..." she tails off

"Picard to Commander Riker. How many more colonists do you have to transport?" he asks

"Seventy three sir."

"How long do you need?"

"At least ten more minutes sir."

"The Parameter teams need to hold their positions sir, but if they do that..." I intone

"Picard to parameter teams. It is imperative that you hold position until we finish evacuating the colonists. Picard out." he turns to me

"Is there any way they can expand the deflectors range to protect themselves as well, Mr. Young?" he asks

"Not without risking the integrity of the deflectors current positioning no." I reply

"Data?" Picard asks

"Confirmed sir."

Picard allows a sigh. There's nothing I can do now.


The rest of the mission proceeds as it did in the episode as eight crewmembers out of the twelve are killed. Commander Daren and Ensign Deng are the last to beam up. A few days pass as I finish writing my own report on the matter and I note in my report that my suggestion was overridden. My door chime beeps.

"Come." I say


It is Captain Picard.

"Sir." I reply

"As you were Ensign. I'm not bothering you am I?" he asks as I see he has his Riskian Flute with him. I stand up from my desk and head towards the couch and motion he should join me.

"Never sir. What can I do for you?"

"Commander Daren has requested a transfer, I have...granted it. She'll be departing when we reach Starbase 212." Picard says almost sullen

"Yes sir." I reply

He stares at his flute. The last time I've seen him like this was when....Kamala was on aboard. Kamala affected us both tremendously in very different ways. I put the memory aside.

"I'm sorry sir." I finally reply and he shakes his head almost absentmindedly

"No...it's fine. I'm fine. I should have listened to you..."

"Data was correct sir. The firestorm would have potentially zapped the atmospheric problem, collapsing the entirety of the thermal deflection units. It is likely we would have lost colonists instead of the eight crew." I reply and he looks up at me

"You're starting to think like a Captain, Ensign." he replies still sullen

"She was a remarkable woman, and a fine officer sir." I reply

"The best." he says and I nod

Picard begins to play the "Inner Light" theme and I try not to cry...it always evokes emotion from me.